With all the political contention and local governmental inadequacies, it’s nice to showcase a recent positive, proactive event that gives Baker County Constituents the realization the we CAN effectuate policy and regain local representative governance.

I’m referencing the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality on Aug. 15 meeting at Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative conference room, attended by approximately 100 citizens, which we, as the Baker County Local Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL water quality) Advisory Committee required the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to hold a physical, face to face hearing. That was a definite win for us, that ODEQ did not want to do.

Oregon DEQ initially wanted to impose their Salem agency-centric, broad-brush, “one size fits all” approach to addressing supposed, but unvalidated Water Quality impairments within our Powder Basin Watershed. The ODEQ’s accusation, which again is unsubstantiated with their cherry-picked, compromised data, had agricultural, ranching and farming activities as being the culprit in causing 90% of water quality violations. This approach would have, in the years to come, most definitely negatively impacted the base economy of Baker County, while in reality not honestly evaluating the condition, the beneficial uses, or the best management of water within our Basin.

Thanks to Commissioner Christina Witham, Baker County Natural Resource Advisor Doni Bruland, the TMDL Local Advisory Committee, AND the 100+ Baker County constituents turning out and voicing absolute total opposition to this oppressive doctrine, Oregon DEQ (Letter from ODEQ to Baker County, Aug. 31) is realizing that the TMDL Implementation Process will be worked out in coordination and collaboration with our Powder Basin community, using accurate, science validated protocols AND including the multiple Basin stakeholders being engaged.

As a member of the local advisory committee, I wanted to let Baker County citizens know, realize and appreciate, that your coming out, standing up to be heard, truly makes a difference and that we can regain local representative government, and guide the policies that will enhance our community, NOT detract from our culture, heritage and economy!

As a side note and complementing this recent proactive outcome, I encourage you to attend the Take Back Oregon Freedom Rally, here in Baker City, Sept. 29 and 30. This is not a political event, but rather the opportunity to come, listen to and engage with national known speakers, that have employed techniques, and practices that elevate citizen involvement, with the result of regaining local governance and determination.

Curtis W. Martin

North Powder